This black and white 1951 classroom film directed by Ted Peshak and narrated by George Stone depicts a senior high school boy as he nervously attempts to ask a girl for a date, offering practical and economical dating advice regarding the potential of tame amusements such as square dances, weenie roasts, and taffy pulls (TRT: 11:08).
Opening titles: “A Coronet Film, What To Do On A Date” Educational Collaborator Evelyn M. Duvall, Ph.D., Consultant, National Council on Family Relations (0:11). Two young boys play catch on a summer’s day while a girl carrying groceries watches from afar. We are introduced to Jeff, Kay, and Nick. Narration: “Nick, well, he has a real dating problem. If he took Kay out on a date, what would they do, where would they go?” (0:33). Nick returns home for his tennis racket and Jeff noses through Nick’s notebook. A page reveals Kay’s telephone number under a reminder to report on the life of Nathanial Hawthorne. Jeff plays matchmaker and proposes inviting Kay to a community center scavenger sale. Nick was planning on asking her to a movie, “Wagon Train” (1:11). Nick picks up the phone. Kay is pleased to answer, but she’s already seen “Wagon Train.” The community center scavenger sale is a surprise hit (2:25). A white elephant advertises the sale. Teens decorate and label sale items in a crowded room (3:50). Nick helps Kay hang a sign for knick-knacks. Kay is having a good time. Wingman Nick smiles approvingly at the success of his good advice (4:58). A bulletin board at the community center hosts a treasure trove of dating opportunities: “Bike Trip, Bowling Party, Square Dance, etc.” (5:59). The bike trip double date, in Nick’s mind’s eye. Alternatives: “Record Concert, Swim Meet, Weenie Roast.” Teens gather around a fire with hot dogs. Teens in the stands of a baseball game (6:08). Swimming. Square Dancing. A picnic. Nick lost in reverie (6:54). A double date at a Balaban cinema (7:19). Kay and another girl discuss Nick’s prospects. George, a pest, bothers them. Trays of Coca-cola and sandwiches are served. Nick and Kay find some boxes to sit upon and eat. Kay doesn’t mind the low-cost entertainment (8:11). Nick tries the bicycle trip gambit. Another bullseye. Kay enjoys baseball games and taffy pulls. “I think they’re swell.” Nick lays out a host of options, but they settle on a weenie roast (9:30). Ice cream interrupts the magical moment. “It’s a date.” Narration: “If you do these things, you’ll know what to do on your date” (10:24).
Coronet films, frequently satirized for their wooden acting and often dry approach to educational content, operated from 1934 to 1984, producing hundreds of 16mm classroom shorts. They are best remembered for their contributions to the “social hygiene” movement of the mid-20th century, of which this film is a prime example.
